I could ‘easily’ have won Lagos for PDP in 2003 but pitied Tinubu because of our relationship— Atiku

Former vice president Atiku Abubakar on Monday said he “could easily have taken over Lagos” for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2003 but for his magnanimity towards then Lagos State governor, Bola Tinubu.

Abubakar, who is a PDP presidential aspirant, spoke in Lagos while holding a meeting with members of the party in the state as part of his nationwide tour of state chapters to seek support towards the party’s forthcoming primary.

Detailing the circumstances surrounding his claim, Abubakar said before the 2003 elections, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo gave him the go-ahead to take over the six South-West states then under the Alliance for Democracy (AD) for the PDP.

He said he delivered all the states to PDP, except Lagos which he claimed he deliberately spared because of his relationship with Tinubu.

Read also: Only selfish politicians are remaining in APC —Ex-Dep spokesman

Abubakar apologised to party members for what he called his mistake, arguing that Lagos would have fared better had he made a different decision.

“When we came to power in 1999, the entire south-western states were controlled by the AD. And when we were approaching the 2003 elections, I told my boss, give me the chance to take over the south-west and he gave me that authority, and I took all the states with the exception of Lagos,” he said.

“Why? Because Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and I came a long way from the SDP, PDM and all of that, and I felt I should leave Lagos for him. In fact, I could easily have taken over Lagos, but I did not.

“I have since regretted my decision; please, my sisters and brothers in the party, I want you to forgive me for taking Lagos out of that arrangement.

“If I have another opportunity again, Lagos will be taken to where it belongs. So, I am appealing to you to give me that opportunity so that I can correct the mistakes that I made.”

Abubakar said his decision to seek the number one seat in the country was to redirect it for the better.

He said the country was grappling with serious issues in the areas of economy and security, promising to turn the fortunes around.

Abubakar criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for failing to deliver the promised change.

He said he was committed to the idea of restructuring, and believed it was key to the country’s progress.

The former vice-president said he would restructure the country within six months in office, if given the mandate.

“If I am elected, I will make the centre unattractive and ensure that power devolves to the states”, he said.

He called on party members across the country to support his bid.

 

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